Register
18 Jan 4:00 pm Sun
Ecumenical Service at Methodist Church, Otford
22 Jan 10:00 am Thu
St Thomas - Coffee morning to 11:45
22Jan Noon Thu
St Thomas - Mothers Prayer
24 Jan 7:00 pm Sat
St Thomas - Truth Seekers
27 Jan 7:30 pm Tue
St Thomas - Padre Pio Prayer Group
14 Mar 7:30 pm Sat
St Joseph's - Quiz Night
The Parish Priest writes:
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18 JANUARY 2026 - THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Dear Friends,
This weekend’s readings gently but clearly turn our attention to who Jesus truly is—and what it means to recognise Him, not only in words, but in the way we live.
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In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a servant chosen from the womb, called not only for Israel, but as a light for the nations. God’s plan is never narrow or private. Salvation is meant to reach “to the end of the earth”. Faith, therefore, is never something to be kept to ourselves; it always carries a missionary dimension, even when lived quietly and faithfully. The Responsorial Psalm gives us the right response to such a calling: “Behold, I have come, Lord, to do your will.” This is not sacrifice for its own sake, nor empty ritual, but a heart open to God—ready to listen and to act. True worship begins with obedience of the heart.
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In the Gospel, John the Baptist points away from himself and towards Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” This is not merely a title; it is a revelation. Jesus is shown as the One who carries our brokenness, our sin, and our need for healing. John does not perform miracles or offer long explanations—he simply bears witness. He recognises Jesus because he has learned to listen to God and to trust what he has been shown.
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This Sunday also invites us to widen our horizon. The Church marks these days as a time of prayer for peace and continues the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity, reminding us that peace is never achieved through power or words alone, but through conversion of heart. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us in his World Day of Peace Message, “Peace exists; it wants to dwell within us… peace resists and overcomes violence” — reminding us that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but a fruit of Christ’s presence within our hearts. Unity among Christians, too, begins not with argument, but with listening—first to Christ, and then to one another.
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This Sunday, then, invites us to ask a simple but demanding question: Do I truly recognise Christ when He comes towards me? In prayer, in the sacraments, and in the call to peace, unity, forgiveness, and new beginnings. As we walk with Jesus during this Ordinary Time in the liturgical year, let us remember that time with Jesus and His Church is anything but ordinary. It is the time when faith is lived day by day, when Christ is discovered not in the spectacular, but in faithfulness. Like John the Baptist, we are not asked to be impressive— only to be attentive, honest, and ready to point to the Lamb of God present among us. Let us ask for the grace to recognise Him, and, having recognised Him, to follow.
With prayers and blessings.
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Parish Priest
PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the gift of our priests, help them to be strong in their vocation and become instruments of Your love and grace. Send Your Holy Spirit to give courage and guidance to all You are calling to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life in our Archdiocese. May those called, hear Your voice, and respond wholeheartedly to become the person You have created them to be. Heavenly Father, form us all in the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, so that we may love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. We ask this through Christ Your Son, the Eternal High Priest. AMEN
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SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK is for the maintenance of St George’s Cathedral, the mother church of our Diocese. It helps to meet the cost of the upkeep of the Cathedral.
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CHURCH MAINTENANCE. As you will have noticed, the old carpet in the sanctuary at St Thomas’ has now been removed. It had deteriorated significantly and was beyond repair. This forms part of our ongoing care for the fabric and beauty of our church. Following the launch of our building fund fundraising appeal last year, we are now in a position to consider the next steps. Thank you for your ongoing support. The removal of the carpet has also revealed the original floor beneath, which had been covered for many decades and is itself an important part of the church’s history. At this stage, there are two possible directions to be considered: either the exact replacement of the carpet, or the restoration of the original floor, with or without certain aesthetic or practical adaptations. Any restoration or alteration of the original floor would require careful consideration and approval from the Diocesan Art and Architecture Committee and the Finance Committee. At this point, no decisions have been made and you are warmly invited to share your reflections on whether they favour the restoration of the original floor or the replacement of the carpet, and to express any general comments they may have. There will also be opportunities to support future developments through the building fund. If you would like to share your thoughts, please submit them to Fr Piotr (piotrkucharski@rcaos.org.uk) or to Ben (ben.andradi@gmail.com).
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SAVE THE DATE. The renowned choir, The Sixteen will be returning to St Thomas Church to perform on the evening of Friday 19th June. Make sure to include the event in your diaries!
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QUIZ NIGHT. There will be a quiz night at St Joseph’s on Saturday 14th March from 7.30pm. The tickets is £12.50 per person and it includes ploughman’s supper and tea/ coffee, with tables of 6 people. Bring own drinks, glasses and nibbles and cash for the raffle. Contact Margaret at 01732 885295 for tickets.
ST JOSEPH’S CONSECRATION ANNIVERSARY. Our February coffee morning coincides with the 6th anniversary of the Consecration of our church to St Joseph and we would like to celebrate this occasion with lots of food. Sign up on the sheet to bring a plate of food to share.
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PORTUGUESE CAMINO to Santiago de Compostela. We are planning another walking pilgrimage for 10 days towards the end of September. We plan to fly to Porto, Portugal, then walk the last 120 or so km to Santiago. If you are interested, please contact Margaret on 01732 885295 or Brother David on 07821 049827. We will organise practice walks from April onwards.
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THE SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL. Following the Parish Mission, some parishioners may be thinking about how they can grow in their Christian discipleship and exercise of charity in more concrete ways. The Society of St Vincent de Paul (which was set up in the parish following the 1992 Mission) could offer a way forward. The SVP is not just about raising funds and providing financial help. We also carry out a monthly shop for the Loaves & Fishes foodbank and, importantly, visit and phone the sick, the lonely and those otherwise in need of befriending. The demands on members time aren’t excessive. If anyone would like to know more and decide whether this might be for you, text or call 07918 808222. Paul Boyle
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CHRISTIAN UNITY in OTFORD. The service for the Week of Christian Unity in Otford will be hosted by the Methodist Church (High Street, TN14 5PH) this year. It will be on Sunday 18th January, starting at 4:00pm with refreshments, followed by the service at 4:30pm. All are welcome.
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THURSDAY COFFEE MORNINGS. Join us for the Thursday coffee mornings at St Thomas’s parish centre between 10:00am - 11:45am. Pat Harman is giving a talk on Childhood memories of the Parish and Sevenoaks during WW2 on the 22nd January.
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REPOSITORY SHOP TIMES THIS WEEK
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the Repository Shop over the Advent and Christmas period with your interest and purchases. Without you, the Repository has no meaning. We still have a copy of the book, Amazing Graces: The Blessings of Sacramentals, available at £9.95. Other items of interest may be books on subjects like peace and justice or a booklet on the rosary.
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Saturday 17th January: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 18th January: after each Mass
Saturday 24th January: after 6:00pm Mass
Sunday 25th January: after each Mass
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Make a detour via the Shop in the Tom Quinn porch on your way out after Mass, or have look in the basket on the table near the doors. Come, have a chat and a browse.
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TRUTH SEEKERS. Our Youth Ministry programme will resume on Saturday 17th January. The sessions run on Saturdays, from 7pm to 8pm, in the St Thomas’ parish centre. Teens (aged 13 to 17 years old) are welcome to bring a friend. Come and join us for a meal and lots of fun.
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PARISH MISSION and HOME VISITS. Following the Parish Mission, we would like to reflect on how we can energise our parish community even more. We would like to come closer to you personally by visiting your homes to chat about how we can improve our ministry. Sign-up forms are available in the church porch to schedule a priest’s home visit. Please think about a day and suitable time when you could receive a priest for a cup of tea or coffee and a friendly conversation (no longer than 45 minutes). If you wish, we can also bless your home. These visits will continue throughout the coming year, until next Christmas. They are especially important for First Holy Communion families, and these will be treated as a priority.​
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PARISH RETREATS 2026. Save the date for the Men’s retreat, from 1st to 3rd May, which will be facilitated by spiritual director Clare Cameron. The Women’s retreat will be from 19th to 21st June, led by Canon Luke Smith, who has held many significant roles in our Diocese and some will remember him from his time as an assistant priest in our parish. For information, contact Catherine
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LOURDES. Join our pilgrimage to Lourdes travelling overnight by luxury coach from 9th to 14th February 2026. It is always a beautiful and deeply spiritual experience soaking in the Spirit of Jesus as we travel to honour Our Blessed Mother. Leaving Slough and Ealing Broadway on 9th Feb 2026 and departing Lourdes on 13th February for a visit to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Rue de Bac, Paris on 14th February morning and arriving in London later on the same day. Full board, exciting festival devotional program, experience the Blessed Sacrament Procession of the Sick, the Candlelight Marian Rosary Procession and the International Mass on the Feast Day followed by Stations, Confessions and Adoration with Hour of Mercy.Travel, full board and program cost £590. Call millie on 07957594646 for more information.
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UKRAINIAN CANDLE APPEAL. In recent years, we had a wonderful response to our request for candles for Ukraine. The candles, unused or used, are melted down and reconstituted in tins to be sent to the Ukrainian troops to heat their food during winter. Candles are still needed and contributions will be gratefully received. There is a box in each church. Thank you.
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MOST HOLY TRINITY. Adoration at Most Holy Trinity (Otford) during the winter will be from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, which is half an hour earlier than usual.
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MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE 2026. After two most fruitful trips to Medjugorje in 2024 and 2025, we have booked a week’s pilgrimage to Medjugorje from 13th to 20th May 2026, where we expect Fr Piotr to be joining us. The cost is £768 per person which will include travel from London Gatwick, transfers from Split to Medjugorje, half board shared hotel accommodation, and a local guide to suggest a daily itinerary. The emphasis will be on daily Masses, Confession, Adoration, and an opportunity for the more physically able to climb Prdbdo and Krizevac. Our Lady Queen of Peace will show us what we must do to get closer to Our Lord. Please contact Barry Authers if you would like to join our group: 07773 658469.
RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY. Archbishop John Wilson will celebrate Mass for Racial Justice Sunday at St George’s Cathedral on Sunday 1st February 2026, at the 10am Mass. Racial Justice Sunday is a time for the Church to pray, reflect and take action against racism, while celebrating the diversity of our Archdiocese. Everyone is invited to take part, and those who wish may wear national or cultural dress as a sign of unity and pride. After Mass, all are welcome to gather in Amigo Hall for refreshments — a chance to meet one another, share experiences and continue the conversation about faith and inclusion. You are warmly encouraged to attend in person, but if you cannot make it you can watch the livestream through the following the link.
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ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP. You are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 7:30 with refreshments, praise and worship, followed by reflection and prayer. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month in the Parish Centre for an evening of fellowship and spiritual enrichment. For any queries, please contact Deacon Neil. We look forward to welcoming you.
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BUILDING A BETTER MARRIAGE DAY. On Saturday 7th March 2026 couples are invited to a day where they can privately explore their relationship more deeply and gain valuable insights into the communication and the call of the Church to be married at Corpus Christi church ‘Fisher hall’, at Lyons Crescent, TONBRIDGE, Kent, TN9 1FB (for parking). The one- day course (9.00am till 4.30pm) is for married couples (whether married for one year, 60 years or anywhere in between). It seeks to help husbands and wives to make their marriages better and to improve their communication skills and learn how to raise issues without hurting each other. There is no group sharing and private information remains private to each couple. The unique selling point of this day is it is NOT marriage counselling - Marriage Care and Retrouvaille do a brilliant job at this! Refreshments will be provided but please bring a packed lunch. Booking is essential. To apply please contact: Carole on mflkent@rcaos.org.uk or by phone on 07983 524 727.
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RETROUVAILLE. LAST CALL for online marriage programme. Does your marriage need some TLC? Need help with communication and trust? Retrouvaille helps marriages. It can bring hope and healing to relationships. Next date: 12th February 2026.For information, go to www.retrouvaille.org.uk or call 07887 296983. Check this video for more information.
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BEREAVEMENT. The Bereavement Support team welcomes anyone who would like to meet to be listened to in a safe, friendly and confidential environment, on an individual basis at a convenient time for them. If you want to make an appointment, contact the Parish Office.
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SEVENOAKS COUNSELLING is a professional service offered by Christians to the whole community. We have provided a trusted, affordable counselling service to Sevenoaks and the surrounding district since 1983. We are welcoming and non-judgemental to everybody. We provide counselling which is professional and caring; confidential; tailored to individual needs, either short term or long term and offered by qualified and experienced therapists. Click on the website for information.
We are also looking for new trustees. If interested, email rev.annebourne@gmail.com.​​
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MASS INTENTIONS - A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO PRAY. We have available spaces for Mass intentions in the coming weeks. Offering a Mass for a loved one, whether living or deceased, is a profound act of love and faith. Please contact the parish office to reserve a date. Let us continue to pray for one another through the powerful gift of the Eucharist
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MOTHER’S PRAYERS every Thursday after the 12noon Mass in the Parish Centre. It is a special time for mothers to unite in faith and offer prayers for their families and the broader community. All are welcome.
RECENTLY DIED
Alexandra Harris
Funeral on 3rd February at 12:30pm, Bluebell Crematorium
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Anthony Murphy
Funeral on Friday 6th March at 11:00am, Most Holy Trintiy, Otford
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE
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What Do We Mean by "Liturgy"?
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When we speak about the liturgy, we are not simply referring to “what happens at Mass” or to a set of rituals and words. In the Church’s understanding, the liturgy is the public worship of the Church, where Christ Himself acts for the salvation of His people.
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The liturgy is not something we invent or adapt according to taste. It is something we receive, handed on through the life of the Church, shaped by centuries of prayer, faith, and discernment. Through the liturgy, the Church on earth joins in the worship of heaven.
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This is why the liturgy has structure, seasons, colours, texts, and rules. All of these exist not to restrict us, but to serve the mystery of Christ and to help us enter it more deeply.
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The Liturgical Year. The Church does not live according to the calendar of the world alone. She lives according to the liturgical year, which sanctifies time by placing the mystery of Christ at its centre.
Rather than focusing on anniversaries or historical remembrance, the liturgical year makes the saving events of Christ’s life present and effective today. We do not simply remember Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection—we participate in them. This is why the Church moves through different seasons, each with its own spiritual character:
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· Times of preparation
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· Times of celebration
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· Times of steady, faithful growth
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Even Ordinary Time is not “ordinary” in the everyday sense. It is the time when Christian life is lived out patiently, week by week, through prayer, service, and perseverance.
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Ranks of Celebration. Within the liturgical year, not every celebration carries the same weight. The Church carefully distinguishes between memorials, feasts, and solemnities, because not every mystery or saint is celebrated in the same way. This hierarchy helps us keep the right balance and focus in our worship.
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· A memorial usually honours a saint or martyr. The focus remains primarily on Christ. The saint is remembered as a witness to Christ. The weekday structure of the Mass is largely maintained, but memorials remind us that holiness is lived in real human lives. Saints are not alternatives to Christ, but signposts pointing towards Him.
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· An optional memorial may be celebrated or omitted. The priest may choose whether to observe it. This allows flexibility in Ordinary Time. The regular weekday readings may be used instead. Optional memorials recognise the richness of the Church’s calendar while respecting pastoral realities and the rhythm of the liturgical season.
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· A feast celebrates an important mystery of faith or a major saint. The celebration takes precedence over an ordinary weekday. Proper prayers and readings are normally used and the Gloria is said. Feasts lift our attention to key moments in salvation history and to those saints who played a unique role in the life of the Church.
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· A solemnity is the highest rank of liturgical celebration. It is celebrated in a way similar to a Sunday, so the Gloria and the Creed are said, and the proper readings and prayers are used. Some solemnities are Holy Days of Obligation. Solemnities focus on the central mysteries of our faith: the Trinity, Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the great foundations of Christian belief.
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Why This Matters for Our Life of Faith. The liturgy teaches us that faith is not centred on personal preference or convenience. Instead, it forms us gradually, shaping how we think, pray, and live. By entering into the rhythm of the Church’s liturgy we learn patience and attentiveness. We are formed by something greater than ourselves. We discover that faith grows through fidelity, not novelty. The liturgy reminds us that we do not stand alone. When we come to Mass, we pray with the whole Church—across parishes, countries, cultures, and generations. Understanding the liturgy helps us to participate more fully and more consciously. It invites us to move from simply “being present” to truly taking part with heart and mind. The liturgy is where heaven touches earth, where Christ continues His saving work, and where ordinary people are drawn into the life of God.
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Next week, on the Sunday of the Word of God, we will look more closely at how Scripture is proclaimed in the liturgy, how the Lectionary works, and why the Church reads the Bible in the way that she does.
​​​​​​​​St Thomas of Canterbury, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us.
St Bernadette, pray for us.
St Edith of Kemsing, pray for us.
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Fr Peter Kucharski, Parish Priest of Sevenoaks
12 Granville Road email
Sevenoaks 01732 454177
TN13 1ER